The Multicultural Mission Field

It is unfortunate that the church is seen as organized religion, packaging the gospel as determined by its target groups. But then again, this is not a new phenomenon. When Jesus came on the scene he not only denounced the religious class as hypocrites (Mat.23:13), he appealed to Isaiah as an authoritative reference (Mat.15:7; Isa.29:13).  His plan to reach the nations beginning with his immediate circle would be a radical and incarnational approach that raised more than a few eyebrows. As master communicator, Jesus made adjustments to his teaching style opting to use parables to communicate truths to those who wished to listen and as a source of judgment for those who rejected his message (Mat.13:10-17). Even Jesus then, believed it was necessary to make adjustments to the method of delivery in order to be more effective and relevant. While he made adjustments, he did not compromise his message, delivering his message with noticeable authority (Mat.7:29; Mk. 1:22). In many cases, this is what is lacking in the present proclamation of the gospel; many come in his name, with many titles, but are lacking spiritual authority.

                Because of the “melting pot effect of cultures within communities,” proclaimers of God’s message must not only be filled with the Holy Spirit, they clearly need to consider cultural intelligence strategies for such communities. What presuppositions, behaviors, even tastes will prevent the hearer from hearing this message? Livermore suggests that organizations which lead without cultural intelligence (CQ), often experience “increased time to get the job done, heightened costs, growing frustration and confusion, poor working relationships and lost opportunities.”[1] It is more than just going into these communities and homes and teaching/preaching the Bible. The training for multicultural teams for these melting pot communities ought to include: (1) awareness of their own cultural and theological assumptions; (2) identifying  racial/ethnic, cultural and class assumptions of the hearers; (3) an awareness of pitfalls to hearing the Good News; (4) the development of the spirit of awareness and dependence on God’s spiritual gifts and (5) learn effective pedagogies and communication strategies.[2]  The question is “Will our leaders buy-in to this vision/strategy?”

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[1]  David Livermore, Leading With Cultural Intelligence: The Real Secret To Success, (United States: AMACOM, 2015), 14.

[2]  Bob Ekblad, Reading Scripture For Good News That Crosses Barriers Of Race/Ethnicity, Class and Culture, Interpretation (2011): 229, accessed September 7, 2018, https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/879074305?accountid=12085